On its 50th anniversary, Fehr Graham held an event for staff and special guests at its Freeport office, 101 W. Stephenson St., in the City in which the leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm was founded.
Fehr Graham Chief Executive Officer Mick Gronewold announced a recurring scholarship program aimed to help students pursuing post-secondary degrees in STEM-related fields. The firm is collaborating with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) to administer the scholarship. CFNIL President Dan Ross spoke at the event.
Ross commended Fehr Graham for its five decades of excellence, community impact and substantial growth.
"Through this program, Fehr Graham will address critical workforce shortages that most industries are experiencing," Ross said. "I also applaud Fehr Graham and its leadership team for their deep commitment to the communities that they serve, and I am very honored to play a small part in fulfilling their goal to help others."
The event drew distinguished guests, including City of Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller and City Administrator Rob Boyer. Mayor Miller proclaimed Sept. 15 as "Fehr Graham Day," read the official proclamation and presented Gronewold with a symbolic key to the City.
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On this day we honor the legacy of Fehr Graham and applaud Fehr Graham on the remarkable achievements and milestones of 50 years of excellence and growth." |
Jodi Miller, Mayor, City of Freeport
In keeping with one of the firm's Core Values, "Have Fun," the event had a carnival theme. Employees participated in freestyle games, a bags tournament and trivia while enjoying an array of food trucks, desserts and camaraderie. A highlight of the day was the dunk tank, where employees had the opportunity to dunk Gronewold for about 15 minutes. The cost was $1 a throw, which raised more than $100. That money will be donated to the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, an organization of churches that provides essential services to those in need.
Fehr Graham's 50th anniversary celebration not only commemorated its history but also served as a launchpad for its future endeavors. As the firm embarks on the next 50 years, it remains steadfast in its commitment to communities, sustainability and excellence in serving clients across various sectors.
The Fehr Graham Scholarship, valued at $2,500 and renewable for up to three years, will go to five high school seniors who are pursuing two- and four-year degrees in engineering and environmental fields. Recipients must live near any of the firm's 12 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. For more details on the scholarship, visit this site.
The following vendors helped make the event a success: Accent On Events, KMK Media Group, Greater Freeport Partnership, Cake One Five, Balloons by Tommy, Event Floral, Pepsi, Luxe Productions, Rock Valley Pub Trivia, Rapped with Smoke BBQ, Pizza Fresca, Olivo Taco, Benchwarmers, Bad Humor, Rent-It Monroe, Mindy Joy Photography and Big John Restroom Rental.